Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina to Cover EMG by PTs

In
acknowledgement of legislation effective
October 1, the Right to Choose a Physical Therapist,
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Carolina has revised its corporate medical
policy to include electrodiagnostic studies that are
provided by a licensed physical therapist who currently is listed on APTA's website
as a board-certified clinical electrophysiologic specialist per the American
Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

The
North Carolina Chapter worked diligently for 3 years with state legislators and
BCBS of North Carolina, citing physical therapists' education and clinical
preparation to provide these services. After being assured that qualified PTs
provide evidence-based, outcome-based, and cost-effective health care that encourages
collaboration of the health care team, BCBS adopted the policy reflecting the
ability of PTs certified in clinical electrophysiology to independently perform
the testing.